7 Best Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food for Golden Retrievers

Hill’s Science Diet dog food not only caters to the nutritional requirements of dogs as per their lifestage, but also offers formulas for various health purposes like mobility, sensitive skin and stomach, and weight management.  

In this article, we are going to review the 7 best Hill’s Science Diet dog food for golden retrievers to keep them happy and healthy while fulfilling their nutritional requirements. 

Quick Picks

Best Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food for Golden Retrievers

1.     Best Overall: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

We picked this chicken and barley recipe as the overall best dog food for golden retrievers because of the high-quality ingredients that fuel the energy needs of adult golden retrievers. It contains chicken as the first ingredient to support the building of lean muscle. 

The natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin ensure healthy joints and mobility. The clinically proven antioxidants and vitamins C & E support the immune system. Whereas, omega-6s help with your dog’s healthy skin and coat. 

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Corn

👍 Age Range: Adult

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

Pros

✅ Also comes in lamb meal and rice recipe

✅ Easy-to-digest ingredients

✅ Great for picky eaters

Cons

❌ The kibble isn’t large enough to be handed over as a treat

2.     Best Wet Food for Puppies: Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food

If you’re looking for the best wet food for golden retriever puppy, this is it! This chicken and barley recipe provides precisely balanced nutrition for the overall health of your puppy. 

It contains DHA from fish oil for brain development, high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and an antioxidant blend of vitamins C and E to support the developing immune system.  

Furthermore, balanced minerals support growing bones and teeth, and prebiotic fibers support the digestive system. 

Recommended Reading: 5 Best Canned Wet Foods for Golden Retrievers

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Water, Chicken, Ground Corn, Cracked Pearled Barley, Soybean Meal

👍 Age Range: Puppies

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

Pros

✅ Ideal for picky eaters

✅ Easy to digest

✅ Comes in larger cans that last longer

Cons

❌ The semi-dry paste consistency may make it difficult for you to mix with dry food

❌ Not enough flavor varieties

3.    Best for Allergies: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach And Skin Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Looking for the best dog food for golden retrievers with allergies? This highly digestible chicken and barley dog food ensures your dog absorbs all the nutrients while being gentle on their stomach. Prebiotic fiber from beet pulp maintains your dog’s optimal digestive health. 

Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids help nourish and protect your golden retriever’s skin and coat. It contains chicken as the number one ingredient and clinically proven antioxidants and vitamin C to support a healthy immune system. 

Recommended Reading: 8 Best Dog Foods for Golden Retrievers with Skin Allergies

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice

👍 Age Range: Adult

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

Pros

✅ Free of chicken by-product meal

✅ Firms up stool for easier stool pick-up

✅ Works great for dogs with sensitive skin and stomach

Cons

❌ No other flavors available 

❌ Maybe a bit expensive for some

4.     Best Dry Food for Golden Retriever Puppy: Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food

The first five ingredients in this dog food are chicken, brown rice, whole grain oats, chicken meal, and cracked pearled barley. It’s made with ingredients that support heart health and contains an optimal calcium level for controlled bone growth, which is essential for the well-being of large-breed puppies. 

It is formulated with DHA from fish oil for brain development, antioxidants for immune health, balanced minerals to support growing bones and teeth, and prebiotic fibers for a healthy digestive system. 

Recommended Reading: 7 Best Puppy Foods for Golden Retrievers

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Oats, Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Gluten Meal

👍 Age Range: Large-breed puppies

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

Pros

✅ Ideal kibble size

✅ Smells just like “food”

✅ Helps with a shiny coat

Cons

❌ The bag isn’t sealable 

5.     Best for Senior Dogs: Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food

This chicken, barley, and rice recipe is specifically made to meet the aging needs of large-breed dogs and keep them healthy, active, and energetic. It contains natural sources of glucosamine & chondroitin to support joint health. 

A balanced set of minerals helps promote the heart and kidney health of your senior dog.  Whereas, omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E nourish your dog’s skin and keep their coat shiny. Amino acids like L-carnitine and Taurine support good heart health. 

Recommended Reading: 13 Best Senior Dog Foods for Golden Retrievers

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum

👍 Age Range: Large-breed adult dogs (6+ years of age)

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

Pros

✅ Easy-to-digest ingredients

✅ Supports a healthy immune system

✅ The bag comes with a velcro at the top, which makes it easy to seal after each use

Cons

❌ The kibble may be a bit too large for some

6.     Best for Weight Management: Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food

This chicken and barley recipe for adult dogs is formulated for less active dogs that need low-calorie food to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. It contains low calories with L-carnitine and taurine to promote ideal body weight and support healthy heart and mobility.

High-quality protein (chicken) with natural fibers helps keep your dog full for longer between meals to make sure they don’t keep eating unnecessarily and put on extra weight. 

RECOMMENDED READING: 8 Best Foods for Overweight Golden Retrievers

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Pea Fiber, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn

👍 Age Range: Large-breed adult dogs (1 – 5 years of age)

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

Pros

✅ Promotes beautiful and healthy skin and coat

✅ Most dogs tend to gobble it up

✅ Contains natural ingredients 

Cons

❌ A bit pricey

7.     Best for Mobility: Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food

This chicken, brown rice, and barley recipe contains EPA (an omega-3) from fish oil to help support joint health by keeping the joint cartilage healthy for an active and healthy lifestyle for adult dogs. 

Balanced minerals ensure strong bones and natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin  (the building blocks of healthy cartilage) also support your golden retriever’s joint health. 

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Cracked Pearled Barley

👍 Age Range: Large-breed adult

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

Pros

✅ Free of synthetic colors and artificial flavors 

✅ Helps with healthy coat and skin

✅ Ideal kibble size for adult golden retrievers

Cons

❌ Some pet parents complain about their dog having a bad breath after eating this

How to Choose the Best Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food for Golden Retrievers?

Hill’s Science Diet offers a variety of options according to your golden retriever’s age, dietary needs, and food preferences. Let’s quickly look at what factors you should consider to choose the best food for them. 

Factor #1: Dietary Needs

Hill’s Science Diet has almost everything to offer for your golden retriever’s health concerns, and you need to pick the one accordingly. 

For instance, if your dog is inactive and is putting on weight, you can find a weight management formula. The same goes for your dog with sensitive skin and stomach and mobility issues. 

Factor #2: Age 

You must make sure you choose the right formula for your golden retriever according to their age since every life stage has different dietary requirements. 

You can’t give your adult golden retriever a puppy formula since it contains different levels of nutrients specific to their lifestage. 

Make sure you read the label carefully on Hill’s Science Diet packaging, which lists whether it’s for puppies, adults, or seniors. 

Factor #3: Allergies 

If your golden retriever has food allergies or sensitivities, you must read the ingredients list carefully and watch out for ingredients that cause adverse food reactions. 

For example, if your golden retriever is allergic to poultry, you can find other Hill’s Science Diet formulas containing beef, lamb, or fish. 

You can also get your hands on No Corn, Wheat, or Soy Formulas if your golden retriever is allergic to any of these ingredients. 

Factor #4: Wet vs. Dry

Hill’s Science Diet has a variety of wet and dry formulas. You can pick either of them that best suits your golden retriever’s health condition and general taste preference. 

Let’s say your senior canine companion finds it difficult to chew dry food. Feeding them wet food will be ideal in this case to make sure they get all the required nutrients. 

If your golden retriever enjoys eating wet food rather than dry food, you can offer them wet food to not leave their appetite unsatisfied. 

You should also talk to your vet to help you find the right formula for your pet and to make sure you’re feeding them the right amounts. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1.      Is Hill’s Science Diet good or bad for dogs?

Hill’s Science Diet is recommended by veterinarians and provides a balanced diet with natural ingredients, quality proteins, and antioxidants, beneficial for dogs of all ages and health conditions​​​​​​.

2.      Do vets actually recommend Hill’s Science Diet?

Yes, many vets recommend Hill’s Science Diet as they have observed improvements in pet health with its use. It addresses various health issues including obesity and food sensitivities​​​​.

3.      What is the difference between Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin?

While Hill’s Science Diet is lauded for its better-quality protein sources and affordability, Royal Canin is noted for its wider selection and specific formulations tailored to different breeds and health conditions. Moreover, Royal Canin has a slightly higher protein and omega-3 fatty acids content as compared to Hill’s Science Diet.

4.      What is the best diet for golden retrievers?

The best diet for golden retrievers includes high-quality proteins, healthy fats, essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It should be tailored to their age and activity level, with specific protein and fat requirements for puppies and adults​.

Conclusion

Since there are a variety of high-quality Hill’s Science Diet foods available for your golden retriever on the market, we picked and reviewed the best ones to help you pick the right one. The essential buying factors discussed above should also greatly help your buying journey. 

If you’re keeping your options open and also want to look into other well-known brands like Purina, you should check out this review next – 6 Best Purina Dog Foods for Golden Retrievers